Three pundits disagree over Manchester United vs Newcastle score prediction

Manchester United are primed and ready to continue their Premier League season against Newcastle on Sunday afternoon (2pm) - but pundits are finding this one tricky to agree on.

Having edged past European opponents Omonia Nicosia at Old Trafford on Thursday night, United are back at the same venue for their latest domestic challenge. But can they go back-to-back at home?

Newcastle head into the showdown with two victories in as many Premier League matches, scoring nine goals in the process. Here's what three pundits think will happen on Sunday afternoon;

Sharing his Sportskeeda predictions, Merson said: "I like the way Newcastle are playing at the moment - and they absolutely dismantled Fulham last week. You've got to give them credit - they've got the players and have pace on the counter.

"Erik ten Hag will have to play Cristiano Ronaldo now, won't he? Ronaldo, in my opinion, is the best finisher in the world. You don't score 700 goals by not being able to finish. You give him chances, and he scores goals. He makes the hardest thing in the world look very easy.

"I'm going to go for a shock this weekend as Newcastle have the players in their team to hurt Manchester United. They've got the game to beat United, but they'll need to pick the right pass. If they stick to Eddie Howe's plan and execute it like they have been over the last couple of weeks, I think they'll win."

Writing in his latest BBC Sport column, Sutton added: "I just don't think Manchester United will win this. The only question is, will Newcastle take three points home, or just one?

"It's not that I don't feel Manchester United are making progress under Erik ten Hag, because they are. But I fancy Newcastle because they have been taking the game to their opposition and the goals have started to flow - they have scored nine in their past two matches.

"I can't see Eddie Howe changing his approach, because that's not his style. That should make things more open, which might help Manchester United. The trouble for them is that everyone scrutinizes their every result so much and it's always painted as triumph or disaster, with nothing in between.

"This week, though, it might have to be in between."

In his Paddy Power tips, Lawrenson continued: "Newcastle come here on the back of a couple of very good wins. Newcastle are a different kettle of fish this season - especially on the road - and they've got some good defensive players, but I fancy a home win here."